Almunzie Castle Room Compendium

ALMUNZIE CASTLE ROOM COMPENDIUM

LIST OF CONTENTS

1. WELCOME TO DALMUNZIE P. 3

2. MANAGEMENT OF THE HOTEL P. 4

3. EMERGENCY FIRE INFORMATION P. 5

4. BEDROOMS & PHONES P. 5

5. WIFI CONNECTIVITY p. 6

6. RESTAURANT MEAL TIMES P. 7

7. PACKED LUNCHES P. 7

8. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS P. 8

9. SPORTING ACTIVITIES P. 9

10. DALMUNZIE WALKS P. 10

11. DALMUNZIE HISTORY P. 17

WELCOME

Enjoying magnificent mountain scenery, Dalmunzie as you have discovered is hidden in the heart of Scotland. Peace and tranquillity are a feature of life here and we encourage you to enjoy the numerous public rooms that help create a relaxing haven from the everyday pressures of the outside world. For the more active, the first tee of Dalmunzie golf course and the tennis court are only fifty yards away. However one of the real highlights at Dalmunzie is simply the walking options available. Full details of suggested walks are provided in this compendium but please feel free to ask staff about their favourite walks and suggestions. We are also well situated for you to explore this beautiful part of Scotland. Balmoral, Braemar, Blair & Glamis Castles are within easy reach as is Scone Palace. Our cuisine is well recognized and produced from local produce from the surrounding area so take advantage throughout the day of our scones, cakes and shortbread made on the premises, but remember to leave room for our Michelin guide recommended evening meal. We make no excuse for the time taken to enjoy your dining experience as we feel it is one to be savoured. Our extensive wine list has many wonderful selections and has been recognized by the AA as having notable status for 2010-2014. We are especially proud of the attentive yet relaxed service provided by our staff and hope you enjoy sharing our home in this magical glen. We trust the following information will be of assistance throughout your stay.

MANAGEMENT

Dr Roger Aston purchased the hotel in August 2013. Dr Aston is both a scientist and seasoned biotechnology entrepreneur, He has travelled to Scotland for many years and this magnificent baronial mansion is his dream’s fulfillment .He is focused on refurbishing the hotel and has already introduced an extensive redecoration plan that will be on going. The work carried out will be non-intrusive to current and future bookings.

4 EMERGENCY FIRE ACTION NOTICE

Sirens throughout the building will sound automatically on detection of smoke and/or heat. On discovering a fire OR hearing the fire alarm :  If possible close the door to the affected area and YOUR bedroom door  Alert other tenants by shouting “FIRE”  Tackle the fire ONLY if safe, with someone else and if confident to do so  Leave via the closest fire exit  Go to the muster area at the rear of hotel, by garage  Call the fire service 999 Postal address: Dalmunzie Castle GlenShee Blairgowrie PH10 7QG Call/ alert manager (106)

BEDROOMS & PHONES

All 17 bedrooms here at Dalmunzie have the following as standard :  Tea and coffee making facilities  Bottles of still and sparkling water  Luxury toiletries  A decanter containing a night cap of either Sherry or Whiskey  Free WIFI  Telephone. The telephone in your room is available for making all types of calls. To contact reception please dial (0). To make an outside call, please dial (9) followed by the required telephone number.

For room-to-room dialling please dial the appropriate room extension number. Individual Room Extensions

Room Extension Number  MacRitchie 210  Rattray 211  Winton 212  MacPherson 214  Ogilvie 215  Stewart 216  Robertson 217  Murray 218  Birkmyre 220  MacKintosh 221  Turnbull 222  MacThomas 224  Campbell 225  MacKenzie 226  Grant 230  Lamont 231  Poole 232

WI FI CONNECTIVITY

Satellite Wifi is free in guest rooms and public areas.

To connect, use your web browser to select Dalmunzie Guest. The password required is : dalmunziewifi. Click to accept the terms and conditions and you will be connected! Whilst we have routers on all floors of the hotel it’s an old building so connectivity can be limited in some areas of the building. We also have a computer in the lounge available for our guests to use. If you require any travel documents such as flight tickets printed off ask a member of staff and we can print them off for you.

RESTAURANT MEAL TIMES

Executive Head Chef Noel Breaks has been in the industry for over 15 years and gained 2 rosettes in his last restaurant. Noel and the team are passionate about bringing our guests seasonal and local fresh produce, which has gained our restaurant a recommendation in the 2015 Michelin guide.

Breakfast : 8.00am – 9.30am. If you require an earlier breakfast please inform reception on check in and this can be arranged for you. Lunch : 12.00pm – 2.30pm Dinner :  Bar meals: 5.00pm – 7.00 pm or 9.00 pm -10.00 pm  Restaurant meals: 7.00 pm -9.00 pm If you require dinner earlier, we can organize this with prior notice.

A range of classic and herbal teas, hot chocolate and freshly brewed coffee are available throughout the day. Homemade cakes and scones are available from 11.00am until 6.00pm.

PACKED LUNCHES

A packed lunch can be arranged by our kitchen brigade. Please place your order with a member of staff by 9.00pm the preceding evening. A packed lunch for £10.00 includes two sandwiches of choice, one packet of crisps, one chocolate bar, one piece of fruit and a soft drink of choice. Gourmet picnic lunches are also available upon request. A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required for orders. Please see Reception if you wish to order a picnic.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

There are many things to see and do in our local area including jeep safaris around the hills of Braemar where you can see lots of local wildlife, a visit to Balmoral, several whiskey distilleries and lots more. We have lots of leaflets in reception please ask a member of staff if you require any further information.  TAXI SERVICES Our local service is Jim Donald Private Taxi Service, 01575 582 324. We would be happy to make reservations on behalf of our guests, please contact Reception for further details.  LOCAL BANKS The Royal Bank of Scotland, The Bank of Scotland, Lloyds TSB and Clydesdale Bank are located in Blairgowrie, 19 miles South of the hotel on the A93 or Braemar, 15 miles North on the A93. Please contact reception for directions or further information.  LOCAL CHURCHES The Glenshee Kirk is our closest church located 1 ½ miles from the hotel to the left of our driveway. The Kirk is Church of Scotland and services are held on the second and fourth Sunday of every month, commencing at 6.00pm. Further denominations can be found in Blairgowrie, 19 miles south of the hotel on the A93.  RAILWAY STATIONS The closest railway stations to Dalmunzie are Perth, Dundee and Pitlochry, all within 45 – 60 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Please see Reception for any further information.

SPORTING ACTIVITIES

There are various activities available on Dalmunzie Estate including: LOCAL WALKS : There are many walks of different lengths and levels around the estate; please see the section on Dalmunzie Walks, or a member of staff for further information. GOLF : Dalmunzie Hotel lies adjacent to a nine hole golf course designed by Dr Alistair Mackenzie. This course offers a challenge for the experienced golfer and a fun course for beginners. The course is open to both hotel guests and non- residents. Golf clubs are available for hire from the hotel Reception. Bookings are not essential but advisable for larger groups. Daily, weekly and family tickets are also available from Reception. TENNIS : Court is available for use next to the hotel, with tennis rackets and balls available from reception. CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING : Organised clay pigeon shooting can be arranged in advance with the Estate. Please enquire at Reception for further information. SKIING : The Glenshee ski slopes benefiting from x lifts are only 10 minutes away by car. The season usually begins in November and end in early Spring for the best conditions. FURTHER ACTIVITIES : Cycling, archery, rock climbing and abseiling, guided hillwalking and group outdoor activities are available through Gulabin Lodge. For further information, please see Reception.

DALMUNZIE WALKS

Dalmunzie, turreted and crow stepped in traditional baronial style - was originally built as a shooting lodge with the original Dalmunzie Castle lying south of the Glenlochsie burn. Situated on is a 6500 acre estate with its first written records dating back to 1510, Dalmunzie can claim to be Scotland’s highest hotel and has a delightful setting on a little plateau between two hill burns. To get the most out of your visit we strongly suggest guests get out and about even on the shortest walks to truly appreciate this special place hidden in the heart of Scotland. The scenery in our immediate area is undoubtedly stunning so we have provided details of 10 of the most popular walks in and around Dalmunzie.

All times are “suggestions” only and are based on casual walking times. Several walks may be affected by hunting in season. Please check with the office if you are heading off on long walks to find out if your route is affected and to advise us of your journey. The weather can change quickly for the better or worse regardless of season so you need to be prepared. Another good step is to read the signs provided by the estate reminding guests of the walker’s code in Scotland.

HILL WALKING IN THE WINTER Please note that hill walking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions and may not be suitable in winter.

EASY WALKS

1. GLENLOCHSIE FARM

Distance: 1 mile Time: 20 minutes From the hotel is a parking area at the start of the private drive to the Dalmunzie Castle Hotel. The first two kilometres of the walk is along the drive to the hotel itself; alternatively the walk can be shortened by paying to park at the hotel itself by calling at reception. On reaching it continue on the track which passes it to the right

10 and leads to Glenlochsie Farm. Go left in the farmyard, following the track west up Glen Lochsie. The track crosses the river at NO079717 (UK Grid Reference Finder) if the river is low you can remain on the track which crosses back again later. Alternatively the crossings can be avoided by following a sharp zigzag to the right and then back left at a higher level. Walk on the road running alongside until you clear the forest. From here you can enjoy wonderful views of Gleann Taitneach on your right. Continue up to the cottages with Glen Lochsie on your left and return the same way. The farm houses mark the end of the road with hundreds of wild & uninhabited square miles beyond.

2. DALMUNZIE GOLF COURSE

Distance: 1½ miles Time: 30 minutes Dalmunzie Golf Course was designed in the 1920’s for Sir Archie Birkmyre and is a candidate for Scotland’s highest course. For a short circular walk, depart from the car park through the white gate onto the first tee. Make your way down to the river and cross the bridge and fairway. Keeping the small forest on your left make for the extreme left corner of the hill dyke marked by the raised 6th tee. Here you can enjoy wonderful views of Dalmunzie Castle. Behind and below the tee are the ruins of Dalmunzie Castle & fermtoun which you pass around to reach the gate into the big field. Walk through to the main driveway and return up the hill to Dalmunzie. Note: Please watch out and respect golfers right of way on the course.

3. DALMUNZIE DRIVEWAY

Distance: 3 miles Time: 1 hour The walk to the entrance is very pleasant, flat, easy to follow and too often ignored! Simply take your time walking to the gatehouse and back enjoying the peace of the glen.

MODERATE WALKS

4. GLENLOCHSIE LODGE (INCLUDING OLD RAILWAY LINE)

Distance: 4 miles Time: 1½-2 hours This is the line of an old railway which was built to bring down stone for extensions to Dalmunzie Castle in 1921. The line remained in use for sporting guests up until the 1970s and there are still some old concrete sleepers along the way as well as bridges over two substantial streams coming down the hillside. Follow the line of the railway to just above the ruins of Glenlochsie Lodge, where the bulldozed track joins back in from the left. Follow this track as it winds up the slope onto the broad ridge of Breac-reidh . The track continues right up onto the dome of Glas Tulaichean, detracting greatly from the feeling of being out in the hills, but the views are extensive. At its highest point leave the main track and head to the right for a short distance to reach the summit, passing a small cairn before reaching the trig point marking the Munro summit. In clear conditions there are good views down into the craggier ground of the Ghlas Choire just to the east.

5. GLAS TULAICHEAN (1051 METRES)

12 crossing the river several times until you reach the ruins of the lodge. It was used for hunting parties as a base and marks a spectacular point where two burns tumble into one From the lodge walk up the northern burn for 30 yards finding your way across to the old railway line. It was built into the hillside in the 1920’s and offers amazing views as you return along its length including an old bridge across a waterfall. The line ends in a zigzag which returns the line down to the level of the four wheel drive road which you follow back to the hotel. Note: If there has been heavy rain the river may be difficult to cross. If so use the railway line to get to the lodge and back. It should be clearly visible on your right just before the first river ford.

6. GLEANN TAITNEACH

Distance: 7 miles Time: 2½-3 hours A truly spectacular walk up a glaciated glen. As for walk 1 but turn right through the white gate after you leave the forest behind the hotel. Follow the path down to and along the burn until you reach a bridge. Cross over and walk up to a four wheel drive road. From here turn left and follow the road until it peters out into a rough path. (See walk 10 to go beyond here). To get home just retrace your tracks. There is plenty of evidence of cottage footings along this route and keep your eyes open for mountain hares, deer and eagles. Descend northeast at first around the rim of this corrie, then at the shoulder aim north to keep to the left of another corrie - Glas Choire Bheag - and avoid descending the ridge between them.

7. SETTLEMENTS

Distance: 4 miles Time: 1½ -2 hours The pre-improvement period in the Highlands (before 1800) saw the glens much more heavily populated, and there were once numerous hamlets and farms in the glen around Dalmunzie. The footings of most of these can be found from the hotel cross over the golf course to the former site of Dalmunzie Castle and fermtoun. This once dominated the glen under the MacRitchie family in the 1500’s. From here you need to follow the hill-dykes east until you reach the gate house. Go over the old bridge and turn left before the church onto the dirt road. This road will take you back up the glen beneath the towering Ben Gulabin until you reach a bridge. Cross over and head back to the hotel along the path.

8. FOREST WALK

Distance: 3½ miles Time: 2-2½ hours Walk down the driveway to the gate house. Turn right on the main road and right again up the first road winding past several cottages and chalets. Coming up to high ground continue on until you reach the forest. Go through the gate and continue through the forest until you reach its end. Here you will come out high above Dalmunzie with magnificent views of Glenshee and the glens beyond. Continue along the road until it forks right. Go downhill passing sheep yards until you reach the golf course. From here it is a short stroll back to the hotel. Note: You do have the option of continuing along the high road through the second forest until you reach the river, where you turn back along the dirt road to the hotel.

SERIOUS WALKS

9. BEN GULABIN (806 METRES)

Distance: 2-3 miles Time: Minimum 4 hours Easily the most recognisable mountain near Dalmunzie, Ben Gulabin towers above the glen and offers as a reward magnificent views of the Cairngorms to the West & North. Ben Gulabin is reached by following walk 5 until you are over the bridge. From here you can choose your ascent but it is going to be steep and hard work whichever way you climb. A possible alternative is to simply make for the first clearly defined ledge. From here you can still enjoy wonderful views of the glen. For those keen to reach the summit, you simply continue upwards until you reach the highest point marked by a cairn.

10. BEN EARB (801 METRES)

Distance: 3-4 miles Time: Minimum 4 hours Often ignored and underestimated, Ben Earb is a delightful peak almost due south of Dalmunzie as you look over the golf course. Cross over the left side of the golf course heading for the sheep yards. From here follow the dirt road up to a T junction. From here you can choose to climb Ben Earb by either the left or right flank returning the other way. The summit is marked by a cairn and provides extensive views back to Glenshee and south to Strathardle.

When the boggy ground beneath Mam nan Carn comes into view ahead aim northwest on the final steeper descent to pick up a stalkers path across the boggier slopes just on the far side of the bealach. Follow this path to the 771 metre bealach beneath Carn an Righ. From here leave the path to tackle the slopes opposite; the ascent is made less steep by keeping a little to the left at first before the final more direct climb to the summit across short grass and stones. Carn an Righ may be the lower of the two peaks at 1029 metres but it is in the heart of some truly wild country, and has a fine view of Beinn a'Ghlo to the west.

11. GLAS TULAICHEAN (1051 METRES)

Distance: 12 miles Time: 6-8 hours Our closest Munro, Glas Tulaichean is a serious day hike that links walks 4 & 5 and is very popular with experienced hikers. It can be walked in either direction, but generally most people complete it in a clockwise manner travelling up Glen Lochsie and returning via Gleann Taitneach. Follow walk 4 to Glen Lochsie lodge which makes a good spot for a rest before a steep ascent. The four wheel drive road behind the lodge can be followed all the way to the top of the mountain marked by a cairn. This is a long section and steep to start with. It eventually flattens out with glorious views to the west. From the summit you follow the ridgeline north to north-west until you reach Loch nan Eun (visible for parts of the walk). This is another nice spot to have a rest and enjoy the peace and quiet. The loch marks the start of the Taitneach burn so cross over to the northern side and descend along a path enjoying the waterfalls until you reach the glen below. From here simply follow the path/road as for walk 5 home. Retrace your steps to the bealach and along the stalkers path below Mam nan Carn. This peters out into a bog, but soon appears again, aiming for the south side of Loch nan Eun. The loch is surprisingly extensive, a lonely and atmopheric place at almost 800m. From here there is a good view down the length of Gleann Taitneach, the route of descent. Keep to the left of the stream down the first steep section, using a boggy path. A bulldozed track can then be picked up after about a kilometre and a half. This fords the Allt Elrig side stream to continue down the glen. The steep-sided glen gives a long but pleasant walk back towards Dalmunzie. Leave the track at NO089723 to cross a footbridge over the Allt Ghlinn Thaitneach and then follow a path down the west bank; this rejoins the outward route close to the Dalmunzie Hotel. When the track is reached turn left to return to the hotel and back along the drive to the start.

Note: Most of the Dalmunzie staff have completed the walks listed. So please feel free to ask them for further advice, directions or their personal favourites. During hunting season, some walks are prohibited due to shoots on the estate, please contact reception for details of this.

Glenshee lies in the north-eastern corner of Perthshire. The glen is sometimes known as the Glen of the Fairies as the name comes from a Gaelic word (22 lifts and 36 runs) new info 2015. At the northern end of the glen, where Perthshire and Aberdeenshire meet, is the Cairnwell Mountain, home to Glenshee Ski Slopes. This is the largest skiing area in Scotland with 38 runs and 20 lifts catering for all abilities. In the summer this is a popular area for hill walkers who appreciate the spectacular views of the surrounding area. During the short winter days, droves of red deer can be found looking for food, while in the summer they can be seen happily grazing with their calves in the long evenings. In the hill country, you might also catch a glimpse of grouse, ptarmigan or mountain hare.

DALMUNZIE HISTORY

Dalmunzie and Glenlochsie have been home to people for thousands of years. The standing stone near the church represents a history lost to us of people who inhabited the glen thousands of years ago. Legends and history abound in the area including the death of Diarmid and his tomb, the battle of the Caterans, tales of Cam Ruadh, the mighty MacCombie Mor and the finding of the Dalmunzie sword.

Dalmunzie’s written record begins in the 1500’s. The first recorded Laird was Robert MacRitchie who along with his son Duncan ‘Cattanach’ MacRitchie were declared rebels in 1584 & 1589. Robert declared MacKintosh to be his native chief in 1595. From this point until 1647 the Lairds were termed as MacKintosh alias MacRitchie. Whether the family were related to the MacKintosh’s or looking for protection is unknown. A detailed account of the clan history notes ‘it is difficult to account for the granting of that band and the acknowledgement of MacKintosh as their "natyff cheiff" unless there was belief they were bound by ties of birth and blood’. In those days, the glen must have been very different. Dalmunzie Castle stood on the other side of the burn with 11 cottages, a mill and enclosures nearby. The glen was heavily populated with hamlets and farms on both sides of the present driveway. Lenoch-more, Lenoch-beg, Balneton, Sheneval, West, Mid & East Cuthell appear on a map from the 1600’s where today only their ruins remain. The MacKintosh’s of Dalmunzie after a turbulent history held their lands until the early 1900’s. The castle had fallen into ruins by the 1600’s and an L shaped shooting lodge built on the present site. A Victorian wing was added and the

building and estate leased for shooting parties. Hugh Richard Duncan Mackintosh was the 11th and last MacKintosh Laird dying childless in London in 1916. Dalmunzie was purchased by Sir Archibald Birkmyre in 1921 who had leased the property for several years. Sir Archie introduced the golf course & railway to Glenlochsie Lodge in the 1920’s and carried out various building work including major & aesthetic improvements to the present building. The house was a thriving home during the holidays, with many notable visitors making their way to Dalmunzie for the parties and shooting expeditions. Sir Archie’s son sold the property in 1946 to Dennis Winton who transformed Dalmunzie house into a hotel which became successful due to the personal approach of the proprietor. The novelist Alexandra Raife was a manager during part of this period, and many of her novel’s plots reflect her experiences during those days. The hotel was damaged by fire, the railway removed in the 1970’s and Dalmunzie House sold to the Campbell family in 1980. The hotel was repurchased by the Winton family in 1987 & operated by Simon & Alex Winton, who proved a formidable team. They invested a large amount of time and money during the 17 years they managed the hotel & a large and loyal clientele was built up over the years, until the decision was made to sell and concentrate their energies on Dalmunzie Estate. The pooles, australian descent took over the reins of Dalmunzie as directors in February 2004. Remarkably it was discovered that the 7th laird of Dalmunzie, Lachlan mackintosh married Scotts ancestors James graham and Janet Neil when he was minister for Dunning near Perth in 1716. Brianna’s family, the Stewarts are originally from Blair Atholl. This brings us to the present day where the castle is owned by Dr Roger Aston.